Locally owned Bayfield Gardens is the preeminent place to buy the ginormous hanging baskets you see gracing finer establishments along Main Street in Durango, Farmington and as far away as Santa Fe. But there’s a catch: you must reserve the flower baskets one year in advance. For walk-ins, there’s still plenty to choose from: first-rate veggies, annuals, and perennials. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

Five Escalante students who participated in the National History Day competition qualified to compete with students from all over the country this summer. Durango city council members are offering “office hours” to increase accessibility for community engagement, and mark your calendars for public comment sessions for the addition of workforce housing along Florida Road and County Road 250. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Kroeger’s Ace Hardware and Sky Ute Casino

Lots of changes are coming to the Durango-La Plata County Airport, including a new radar project that brings more targeted forecasting to the Four Corners area. The airport is working with Baron Weather to install the new radar system, filling a gap in weather forecasting systems in the southwest. Previously, the closest weather station to the county was based out of Grand Junction, and the new radar will provide more accurate and up-to-date weather information for the Four Corners region. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Serious Texas BBQ

The Local NEWS Network stands in solidarity with the community of the City of Farmington and the families of those impacted as a result of the shooting on May 15th. Desert View Family Counseling, Totah Behavioral Health and Farmington Community Health have offered their services if you or someone you know are in need of help.

The Colorado Grain Chain is awarding four grants statewide to brewers or distillers who craft a beverage using exclusively Colorado grown grain. One grant will be awarded to businesses in each of Colorado’s major watersheds. The non-profit hopes the microgrant improves awareness for Colorado’s grain community. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas BBQ

The General Palmer Hotel invites you to come celebrate 125 years of providing hospitality and history to Durango. The Government Finance Officers Association awarded the City of Durango for its 2023 budget, and registration for the Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days is now open. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and The Payroll Department

The Strater Hotel has recognized the Blue Moon Ramblers for working as the hotel’s Sunday house band for over thirty years. Room 223 is now dedicated to the band. The suite includes a plaque on the door with the band’s name, and portraits of the band and its founding members inside the room. The Blue Moon Ramblers are the first musical act to join more than 40 individuals or entities who have rooms dedicated at the Strater. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll Department

Durango’s Shimmy Mob belly dance troupe is ready to showcase its new choreography for National Belly Dance Day. On Saturday May 13th, the group will dance at multiple stops in downtown Durango. The team’s mission is to raise awareness and money for Alternative Horizons, a local non-profit that provides resources for domestic violence victims. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Serious Texas BBQ

The Durango Transit has announced changes to the Highway 160 and Mercy/Three Springs routes to better service its riders. Construction at the Durango Mesa Park has begun, and bump outs are back downtown – but look a bit different than they have the last few years. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Happy Pappy’s Pizza and Wings

SunRay Park & Casino has unveiled its 24th annual racing season with a national assembly of young, majestic horses. Ten races are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until May 21st. SunRay Park also offers year-round simulcast horse racing, and over modern 400 slots. Margaritas and Tex-Mex are popular, as are the large-hearted staff. By Donna K. Hewett. This story is sponsored by Boon’s Family Thai BBQ and Distill beer Wine and Spirts